Magnesium (Mg)
Posted: Tuesday, August 16th, 2021 | Updated: Tuesday, August 16th, 2022
Posted: Tuesday, August 16th, 2021 | Updated: Tuesday, August 16th, 2022
Canine Normal Values:
1.4-2.2 mg/dL
Feline Normal Values:
1.8-2.6 mg/dL
Significance:
Used in the assessment of various disease processes and conditions. Magnesium aides in muscle contraction and relaxation, the mineralization of bones, enzyme action, proper nerve function, immune function, energy utilization and release, the maintenance of teeth, protein synthesis, and the metabolism of potassium, calcium, and vitamin D
Increases in Values:
Levels of magnesium may be increased with renal failure or insufficiency. Rarely, levels of magnesium are raised with excess in the diet. Occasionally, false elevations will be witnessed with a patient on oral antacids, laxatives, or IV supplementation
Decreases in Values:
Levels of magnesium may be decreased with GI disorders, renal disease, endocrine disease, sepsis, blood transfusions, and/or when refeeding syndrome occurs. Cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, increased reflexes, and hypokalemia that's resistant to replenishment may occur with hypomagnesemia
Note:
Normally, calcium and magnesium have a similar relationship. Additionally, magnesium helps the muscles relax after calcium promotes the contraction. This is a critical component relating to normal heart function. Magnesium helps with the maintenance of teeth as well by holding calcium in enamel to prevent tooth decay. Hypomagnesemia is usually found along with the depletion of potassium, phosphorus, and/or calcium. Furthermore, low magnesium can cause low calcium. If the potassium is already low too, the patient may experience seizures, go into a stuporous state, and/or a coma
1.4-2.2 mg/dL
Feline Normal Values:
1.8-2.6 mg/dL
Significance:
Used in the assessment of various disease processes and conditions. Magnesium aides in muscle contraction and relaxation, the mineralization of bones, enzyme action, proper nerve function, immune function, energy utilization and release, the maintenance of teeth, protein synthesis, and the metabolism of potassium, calcium, and vitamin D
Increases in Values:
Levels of magnesium may be increased with renal failure or insufficiency. Rarely, levels of magnesium are raised with excess in the diet. Occasionally, false elevations will be witnessed with a patient on oral antacids, laxatives, or IV supplementation
Decreases in Values:
Levels of magnesium may be decreased with GI disorders, renal disease, endocrine disease, sepsis, blood transfusions, and/or when refeeding syndrome occurs. Cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, increased reflexes, and hypokalemia that's resistant to replenishment may occur with hypomagnesemia
Note:
Normally, calcium and magnesium have a similar relationship. Additionally, magnesium helps the muscles relax after calcium promotes the contraction. This is a critical component relating to normal heart function. Magnesium helps with the maintenance of teeth as well by holding calcium in enamel to prevent tooth decay. Hypomagnesemia is usually found along with the depletion of potassium, phosphorus, and/or calcium. Furthermore, low magnesium can cause low calcium. If the potassium is already low too, the patient may experience seizures, go into a stuporous state, and/or a coma
Sources:
Ford, Richard B., and Elisa M. Mazzaferro. Kirk and Bistner's Handbook of Veterinary Procedures and Emergency Treatment. 8th ed., Saunders Elsevier, 2006.
Gasser, Emily. "Parenteral Nutrition: Macronutrient Composition and Requirements." Support Line. vol. 27, no. 6, December 2005, pp. 9-10.
Kingley, Jodi. "Fluid and Electrolyte Management in Parenteral Nutrition." Support Line. vol. 27, no. 6, December 2005, pp. 19.
Sizer, Frances Sienkiewicz and Ellie Whitney. Nutrition Concepts and Controversies. Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2011.
Ford, Richard B., and Elisa M. Mazzaferro. Kirk and Bistner's Handbook of Veterinary Procedures and Emergency Treatment. 8th ed., Saunders Elsevier, 2006.
Gasser, Emily. "Parenteral Nutrition: Macronutrient Composition and Requirements." Support Line. vol. 27, no. 6, December 2005, pp. 9-10.
Kingley, Jodi. "Fluid and Electrolyte Management in Parenteral Nutrition." Support Line. vol. 27, no. 6, December 2005, pp. 19.
Sizer, Frances Sienkiewicz and Ellie Whitney. Nutrition Concepts and Controversies. Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2011.